LAGAWE, Ifugao (PIA) — Eighty (80) Ifugao students enrolled in various universities received financial assistance through the Student Monetary Assistance for Recovery and Transition (SMART) program of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in the region.
Forty-three of the beneficiaries received their financial assistance of P25,000.00 at the Ifugao State University (IFSU) Main Campus in Lamut recently. CHED personnel with Ifugao Lone Representative Solomon Chungalao and IFSU President Eva Marie Codamon-Dugyon awarded the check to each of the beneficiaries.
The allocation of the grant to qualified students from Ifugao province was through the support of Chungalao.
In his video message, CHED Chairperson Dr. Prospero De Vera III explained that the SMART program is a financial assistance program that provides a one-time fixed grant of Php 25,000 to qualified undergraduate students to support their pursuit of higher education, and achieve academic success as the nation recovers from the effects of the pandemic.
He enjoined the students to use the money responsibly to finish their studies as education is a key to uplifting the standard of living and alleviating poverty contributing to progress of the country.
Grantees expressed their gratitude to the government for the financial assistance that will help them with some of their educational needs.
Gracious Paleja and Analyn Dayawon of IFSU Lamut campus said they will pursue their studies and do their best for their families.
Mary Ann Na-ang, a fourth year Bachelor of Elementary Education student at IFSU Potia campus, shared that the assistance is a big help for her studies.
“I will use this money to address some of my school needs. I will do my best to finish my studies to help my family in the future,” she said.
Dartinian Eheng of the PLT College in Nueva Vizcaya said he will use the money to pay off some school fees and other needs in his studies. He assured to perform well to reciprocate the help of the government particularly the CHED and the Office of Congressman Chungalao. (MBL, PIA CAR, Ifugao)
